I need some advice on how to start a movie theater. My idea is opening a small cinema in a Latin American country where there are traditional movie theater lovers. I have no experience in the industry, except how to appreciate a good movie and good service.

I just have the gut feeling that this idea will work. My idea is framed on a 100 to 200 seat movie theater. For budget and practical reasons, I prefer used equipment, including the seats.

I am trying to start my own movie theatre company, by acquiring locations that are mismanaged or neglected and renovating them with the latest technology and amenities to increase their profits. The company will be based in California and I am already in negotiations for 1 location there with several other prospects in California and Florida.

I have come up to a road block with my funding, and I am looking for investors. If interested, please and I will respond to you as quickly as possible.

I am a New York City tour guide and a couple of days ago I had a passenger on my bus who disputed something that I always believed to be true. I am in the firm belief that over the years I read that Otis Elevators of Yonkers, New York invented and manufactured the side lift mechanism of the orchestra pit lift for Radio City Music Hall. The passenger claims it was Westinghouse. Please fellow Cinema Treasurers, what say you?

Loose Wire Productions is scheduling interviews and location visits for a documentary on historic theatres. They are specifically hoping to hear from theatre owners that are having problems due to the economic crisis, natural disasters, mounting repair costs, low ticket sales, increased competition, etc.

Industry experts such as bookers, film programmers and architects are also encouraged to contact the production team. The purpose of the documentary is to encourage the viewer to seek out the independent and historic theatres near them and become involved in preservation activities in their community.

“There’s One in Your Neighborhood"
The History of the Neighborhood Theaters in New Orleans
is being written by 89-year-old Rene Brunet, the dean of the motion picture industry in Louisiana, and New Orleans historian and preservationist Jack Stewart. The 160-page, coffee table book will be released in November and is being published by Arthur Hardy Enterprises, Inc. Attention will be focused on 50 major neighborhood and downtown theaters, culled from a list of nearly 250 that have dotted the city’s landscape since the first "nickelodeon” opened in 1896 at 626 Canal Street. The book will be divided by neighborhoods and will open with a map and a narrative about each area. Each major theater will feature “then and now” photographs, historic information, and a short series of quotes from famous New Orleanians and from regular citizens who will share their recollections.

YOUR HELP IS NEEDED

We are trying to acquire memorabilia and additional photos of New Orleans theater for this publication(deadline July 1). You will be credited in the book and receive a free autographed copy if we publish the picture that you supply. Please contact Arthur Hardy at or call 504-913-1563 if you can help.

CINCINNATI, OH — My name is Chris Randolph and I represent Dixon Edwards the former NFL player (Dallas Cowboys 3X Superbowl champion) who owns the Regal Theater.

We are currently pursuing enthusiasts, voulunteers, fundraising, advice and moral support for the restoration of this historical building. Dixon’s vision is to restore the property to its original beauty.